Welcome to the machine

The next morning we prepared the bikes only to find Sally had another puncture. Once again the finger of suspicion pointed at Blackberry thorns.

We had a breakfast of ham and eggs and lots of bread and yoghurt. I have developed a huge appetite over the last few days and I suspect it is because I am using up my reserves of fat after a month away from home.

We left at 10 am and we had the wind on our backs all the way to Decize 68 kms later. Along the way we were riding up hills that we had had to pedal down 2 days before. But uphill was much faster than downhill. Bizarre.

On the route we passed through the town of La Machine. On our trip through France we have had several days when I have become comfortably numb. And we have met a few crazy diamonds as well. I have resisted the temptation to have a cigar, but I certainly do Wish You Were Here.

We arrived still fresh and found our accommodation for the night. We were treated to a feed of crepes on our arrival which was greatly appreciated.

Matthieu is in the throws of turning and old house and a small farm into a haven for cyclists along side the canal du Nivernais. He has a huge task ahead of him but has a good plan in place. When we arrived the digger was flattening a piece of ground which will become the campground for tents. They hope to add a kitchen, dormitories and bedrooms at a later date as well as a bicycle workshop. We wish him well in his endeavour.

We stayed in a caravan just like a New Zealand campground. Sally practiced guitar while I chatted for a while.

I discovered that this winter had been very warm to start with , but the end of winter had been very cold. Normally by now it is much warmer ( I knew my planning was for warmer weather!) The wind is from the North , and is cold dry and strong.
Matthieu had spent the whole day riding into it and was happy to finally be home. He had been to Lyon for an annual conference on community based bicycle workshops where people can go and repair their own bikes using the workshop and tools provided. An interesting concept.

We got to share dinner with them even though we got the impression that they would have struggled a bit to find the extra food. Extremely generous on their part.